Phuong Xa High School English Test - 12 (time: 45’) code: 001 I Choose the word which pronounced differently from the rest: A heat B scream C meat D dead A tease B beat C break D weak A stopped B followed C rained D believed A rains B hands C works D seems A laughs B books C tops D phones II Choose the best answer: 1.Hellen: “ Congratulation!” – Jane: “ ………………… A What a pity B Thank you C I’m sorry D You’re welcome Although his parents are very busy at work, they try ……… as much time with their children as possible A spending B to spend C spent D much He was often made ………… milk by his mother A drink B drinks C to drink D drank At the end of the letter Mary wrote “ Give my best ………… to your parents.” A wishes B hopes C words D belief During the school year, he is not allowed ………… watch TV until he has finished his household chores A watching B to watching C watched D to be watched Many people believed that “ Men build the house and women make it home” It means that ……………………… A In the home only men build the house B At home both the women and the men join hand to build a happy home C At home, only women make her house D At home, both parents and the children make their home Jone reminded me ………… his motorbike by 8o’clock A please return B not forget to return C remember to return D to return “I …………… for you so long, Peter It’s time you gave up your behavior A have been waited B has been waiting C have been waiting D has waited Both verbal and non-verbal are forms of …………………… A communication B communications C communicative D communicating 10 Neither Tom nor his classmates ready for the coming exams A are B is C has been D was III Rewrite the second sentence in such away it has the same meaning of the first sentence 1.“ I’ve fallen in love with a beautiful girl”, he said => He said ………………………………………………………………………………… “ Well, I’ll see you tomorrow”, she said => She said ………………………………………………………………………………… “ I’m studying English tonight” Lan said => Lan said ………………………………………………………………………………… “How long have you been learning English?” he asked => He asked ………………………………………………………………………………… “ I sent her a valentine card yesterday”, she said => She said ………………………………………………………………………………… IV Read the passage and answer the questions: I have traveling to different parts of my country, and I have learned a lot about interesting lifestyles and customs In many ethnic villages I went to, I was impressed by some of their beautiful traditional customs For instance, most of the villagers lived in extended families, and they held a close relationship among family members In addition, young people always showed respect for their ancestors and for elderly people People were also willing to give a hand when someone was in need Members of the family helped one another with household chores as well as with farm work While men were working in the fields, women were doing the household chores While we were staying there, the villagers always gave us a helping hand and invited us to have dinner with their families on special occasions In short, I highly valued the close ties in human relationship shown in the villagers’ way of living What has the writer learned according to the passage? ………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………… Was the writer impressed by some of their beautiful traditional customs? ………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………… What did the villagers when the writer stayed there? ………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………… Were people in the family willing to help each other? Give example(s)? ………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………… What are your responsibilities in your family? ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………… The end Ha Noi years celebrates 1,000 Celebrations to mark 1,000 years since the foundation of Thang Long-Ha Noi began at the Ly Thai To Garden yesterday — VNS Photos Truong Vi Leaders attend the opening ceremony of festivities to mark the 1,000th anniversary of Thang Long-Ha Noi in the capital city yesterday HA NOI — National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Phu Trong lit a flame to the sound of traditional drums and gongs to officially begin the 10-day celebration of Thang Long-Ha Noi's 1,000th anniversary yesterday morning Party, State and Ha Noi municipal dignitaries then burned incense before the Statue of King Ly Thai To who transferred the capital from Hoa Lu in northern Ninh Binh Province to Dai La - now Ha Noi The ceremony at the Ly Thai To Flower Garden, across from Hoan Kiem Lake, drew 1,000 guests, including senior Party, State and HaØ Noi officials as well as foreign diplomats General Director of UNESCO Irina Bokova hands over a certificate recognising the Thang Long Royal Citadel as a World Heritage site to Chairman of Ha Noi People's Committee Nguyen The Thao Elsewhere, thousands flooded into city precincts filled with flags, flowers, music and multi-coloured lanterns Others watched the opening ceremony on giant screens installed throughout the city or on television Ha Noi Party Committee Secretary Pham Quang Nghi emphasised that the historical transfer had been an extraordinary step for the nation that had reaffirmed the will to build national independence and unification and ushered in a new era for the Dai Viet (Great Viet Nam) "At this solemn moment, Vietnamese citizens from all corners express respect for and gratitude to the immense contribution of our predecessors to national defence and construction," he said "Thang Long – Ha Noi is where the minds and hearts of talented and creative peple together with the golden hands of working people have converged to construct the capital." Doi moi (renewal) had highlighted Ha Noi's role as nation's capital, said Nghi as he described the city's achievements of the past two years "Ha Noi is determined to fulfill the tasks of socio-economic development" and better serve its residents, he said Honour United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) general director Irina Bokova presented Ha Noi with a certificate recognising the Thang Long Royal Citadel as a World Cultural Heritage site at the opening Viet Nam's lively memories of the capital transfer 1,000 years ago, which "few countries could match," was to be admired, she said But the general director, who dressed a traditional ao dai, cautioned that although UNESCO's recognition was an honour, it would require new commitment to their city from its residents "You carry the responsibility to promote and preserve the heritage for the future generations," she said The grand ceremony indicated the profound respect the Vietnamese people had for their predecessors and the mass attendance showed their strong link to their splendid past The ceremony ended with the release of 1,000 pigeons as a symbol of peace Phong Dieu (Bird Release) Club member Do Van Vuc of Soc Son District said: "The release of the 1,000 pigeons represents our memory of King Ly Cong Uan - the birth name of Ly Thai To "It was a great honour to contribute pigeons and take part in the ceremony I have never attended such a great event." The opening ceremony was followed with performances from thousands of artists on five grand stages around Hoan Kiem Lake In high spirits Joy, emotion and pride were vivid on the faces of many people who attended the ceremony and other events Ninety-year-old former Agriculture Minister Tran Van Quywas among them "All the memories of old time Ha Noi seem to be reviving," he said after attending the opening ceremony "I'm proud that Ha Noi is a city of peace and preserves its typical features I hope the city will grow stronger and maintain its solidarity." Born and raised in Ha Noi, Hoang Thi Phuc, 81, arrived for the opening ceremony with two sisters and one brother one hour before it began "I'm weak now and can't walk by myself," she said "But I wanted to come here to witness these splendid moments for the city," explained the elderly woman whose family served with the army "It's so emotional "In our era, the nation was under-developed but now it becomes more and more beautiful each day." Phuc's younger sister, Hoang Thi Hong Van, who returned from the US for the anniversary, shared the emotion "The organisation of events is excellent," she said "I'm happy to come and live in the excitement of the festival I'm happy to see the growth of the nation," said Van, who left Ha Noi 31 years ago A delegation of 190 overseas Vietnamese from 34 countries and territories also returned for the anniversary They represented more than million Vietnamese living throughout the world Vietnamese were not alone in enjoying the day "I feel so good and so proud to be here in Viet Nam at this moment," said Nigerian Akau Ntekpere "Ha Noi is very rich in culture and has a long history." Israeli amateur photographer and tourist Orna Kalgrad said she had n1ever seen so many people on the streets "The people are so excited Although I'm interested in photographing people, I'd love to look at the other activities." Four Belgian tourists wearing head bands reading "Thang Long - Ha Noi" said it was pleasant for them to join the celebrations just some hours after they arrived in the city — VNS Historical force: On Friday, at King Ly Thai To Garden in Ha Noi, an art programme was held with the theme "Thang LongHa Noi, historic city with heroic traditions" to welcome the 1,000th anniversary of Thang Long-Ha Noi VNA/VNS Photo Doan Tan City of peace: On Friday, a pigeon was released by Returned Sword Lake (Ha Noi) VNA/VNS Photo Phuong Hoa Old tunes: On the stage in front of Ba Kieu Temple by the Returned Sword Lake, art shows were held to welcome the great 1,000th anniversary of Thang Long-Ha Noi VNA/VNS Photos Nhat Anh Cross cultural: Thousands of domestic and foreign visitors attend the anniversary Sitting by the Returned Sword Lake at 5pm, a group of elders noisily talk about the coming 1,000th anniversary of Ha Noi that falls on October 10 With his sonorous voice, Nguyen Van Thang, 76, from Hang Dao Street, says he has been told that State employees will have four days off during the anniversary "I will gather my children and grandchildren, and we will slaughter a chicken and cook sticky rice to worship our ancestors," says Thang "Then my family will take a taxi to visit the Thang Long ancient citadel and the Temple of Literature to see the relics left behind by our ancestors." Party: Hanoian and Russian children perform a dance with stuffed animals VNA/VNS Photo Thanh Tung Trinh Thi Mai, 70, from Ma May Street, says she has refused to go on a trip to Singapore that her son had arranged for her "I was born, grew up and got married in the Old Quarter I witnessed each little change in my area and I love Ha Noi so much," says Mai "As a child of Ha Noi, how could I go on a trip far from home during the great day of the Motherland? It would be a sin!" For elder residents like Thang and Mai, the anniversary will be a chance to commemorate and tell their descendants about their family's traditions They will also have the chance to tell stories about Ha Noi's streets At every street corner, people can see the physical transformations that are taking place to celebrate the anniversary By the Returned Sword Lake and in the parks, elders chat about the capital's traditional customs and how their family is preparing for the anniversary The atmosphere is reminiscent of the buzz that accompanies the Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday On the main streets, people hang posters that are chalked full of slogans about the great day that will descend on the capital soon Workers have buried cable networks underground to clean the streets and made flower arrangements that spell out slogans in celebration of the capital's birthday Doan Mon gate, Kinh Thien Palace, Princess' Pavilion and other buildings inside the ancient Thang Long citadel have completed and are ready for the celebrations Visitors will have a chance to visit the citadel, which opened on Saturday The Museum of Ha Noi will also be a new, attractive destination in the city Located in Me Tri Commune, Tu Liem District, the 54,150sq.m museum includes exhibition rooms, stores, seminar rooms and an outdoor exhibition area Associate Professor Dr Pham Mai Hung, the deputy chairman of the Viet Nam History Science Association, says the museum will be the most modern museum in Viet Nam "The museum will also express the three features of Ha Noi: civilisation, heroic tradition, and loving peace." Grand parade A solemn and grand military march will help celebrate the 1,000-year old capital The National Defence Ministry mobilised 12,000 soldiers to participate in the parade During the last two months, the participating soldiers have practised many hours a day "As a pilot, it is a dream to have the honour of flying in the historic Ba Dinh Square's sky," says pilot Senior Lieutenant Colonel Luong Van Lam Lam will command and lead a squadron of 10 helicopters to fly over the Square on the morning of October 10 "The honour is great, but the responsibility for us is also very heavy," Lam says "I was assigned the task of leading the squadron I have to make exact decisions while commanding the squadron in the air Flight speed will be very important to reach Ba Dinh Square at the precise moment during the parade." Soldier Dao Van Thanh, who will operate the heavy-artillery section of the performance, says: "We must be very determined and exact, so each cannon shot will fit with the given words of the national anthem We are all eager to complete our special task." From October 1-10, many activities will be held to celebrate the Great Anniversary They include the exhibition Famous Battles and Campaigns from Viet Nam's Military History that will be on display at the Vietnamese Military History Museum on October The Hearts for Thang Long – Ha Noi exhibition will be held at the Palace of Culture and Friendship on October On October 6, a traditional martial arts performance, Thang Long Spirit, will kick off at the Quan Ngua Gymnasium in Ba Dinh District Hanoians and tourists alike will be able to visit the exhibition Ancient Ha Noi at the Museum of Ha Noi on Pham Hung Road Later that evening, visitors will be able to enjoy the Ha Noi Food Festival at West Lake Water Park Construction anniversary projects celebrate Construction projects to celebrate the anniversary include: upgrading the King Le Thai To statue; Thang Long Tu Tran (four sacred temples that protected the four corners of the ancient Thang Long citadel); Ha Noi Library; August Revolution Square; Dan Xa Tac Square; Kim Lien-O Cho Dua route and Lac Long Quan Boulevard The city finished more than 30 constructions before September 30 including: Statue of Saint Giong, Statue of President Ho Chi Minh standing with President Ton Duc Thang, Ha Noi ancient citadel, Hoa Binh (Peace) Park, Vinh Tuy and On October 9, Thanh Tri and Vinh Tuy bridges will be inaugurated, Thanh Tri bridges, and Ha Noi along with Thang Long Boulevard at the Pham Hung-Tran Duy Museum Hung crossroads On October 8, there will be artistic and cultural programmes for young people around Hoan Kiem Lake and at outdoor stages throughout the city In the evening, the Street Festival programme will be held for young people at the Square in front of the State Bank During the historic anniversary on October 10, there will be a solemn ceremony, with a parade that will celebrate the anniversary at Ba Dinh Square On the evening of the 10th, 245 performances will be staged by domestic artistic troupes and 38 performances by foreign troupes According to a plan approved by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, 65 structures were built or upgraded to celebrate the anniversary Ha Noi also upgraded the city's infrastructure and decorated many boulevards and gardens with decorative lights, flowers and ornamental trees Culture and history researcher Bui Thiet acknowledged that many construction projects were completed in time "But we should not focus on appearance," he says "Some publishers have also issued too many books about the anniversary, with some errors which may easily confuse readers." Associate Professor Dr Nguyen Thi Minh Thai, a lecturer at the Ha Noi University of Social Sciences and Humanity, says material and spiritual elements are equally important during the festivities Remembering old Nha Trang by Le Huong The central coastal city of Nha Trang has long been famed for its beautiful palm-fringed beach, breath-taking vistas and succulent seafood But if you're bored with lazy days by the beach, Nha Trang Xua (Old Nha Trang) is the place for you It's hard to believe the resort, which occupies 2ha in Thong Thai Village at the foot of Giang Huong Mountain, is just 3km from the chaotic city centre The resort has 11 bungalows nestling in a field of yellow rice – at least when I was there The air is scented with the sweet smell of lotus flowers, and a gentle breeze wafts your cares away The resort is owned by Truong Dinh Ngoc Yen, a Nha Trangborn woman, who loves peace and quiet "I used to spend a lot of time living with my grandma in the village when I was a child," she says Garden of Eden: On entering Nha Trang Xua visitors go back in time to a golden era of peace and tranquility — Photos courtesy of Nha Trang Xua "Later, I went to university in Nha Trang, before opening a business in the bustling city However, I always longed for the peaceful atmosphere that I remembered from my childhood "I love seeing small birds pecking at food on the ground I have always dreamt of building a small secluded garden like my mum's My childhood is full of fond memories." She followed her dreams and bought a small plot of land which she turned into a picturesque garden Tranquillity: A lotus pond is a resfreshing respite from the heat of summer Visiting friends, urged her to open the garden to the public, so she established Nha Trang Xua in 2009 In the beginning it was just a small garden and a food court But even then, about 200 people would visit daily – three times that number on the weekends To create a local atmosphere, Yen has bought plants native to the area to her garden There are also vegetables, fruit trees and herbs "The resort reminds me a lot of my grandparents' house in Vinh Phuong Village 30 years ago," says local resident Huynh Phuong "Every corner of the resort is a reflection of different parts of Nha Trang in days gone by The wet yin-yang roofed house in the middle of the garden, the pond, the mossy brick path." Yen has relocated houses dating back 100 to 300 years to the resort, which now comprises 11 houses; a food court capable of accommodating 250 diners; a food centre for package tourists and formal functions, which has a capacity of 700 guests; and a seven-room hotel The restaurants offers more than 100 traditional local dishes, which are served authentically "The resort is unique, local but professionally run," says Bui Minh Thang, director of Phuong Thang Tourism Company "Nha Trang lacks places like this It gives visitors an incite into local culture." However, Thang says the owner should advertise the place better to foreign visitors and provide better carparking facilities But these shortcomings not put off Beth Keyser from Australia "I like the small cosy and nature-friendly atmosphere of the resort," she says "I have stayed in similar places in Thailand, but here, I feel like I'm experiencing Vietnamese life as it was in the early 19th century All the furniture inside the old house is authentic." Yen says she wants visitors to feel like they are in a time warp "I want visitors to see a different world, to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and return to the old peaceful days when people had time for one another I want people to hear birds singing in the morning, smell the scent of flowers and discover themselves, something that can only happen in a place of quietness and harmony," she says Lovely as the resort is, Yen is not happy – she has expansionist plans "I want to relocate more old houses so that I can host wedding parties I love to imagine a wedding procession proceeding down the path in a field of mature rice," she sighs — VNS Scented valley a haven from city bustle by Ha Nguyen A group of Duong Quang Chan's friends from Los Angeles was very excited about a two-day home stay tour in stilt houses in Lac Village The village is located in the north-western province of Hoa Binh's Mai Chau District, some 120km from Ha Noi Chan, who visited the village five years ago, said the village has gone through a lot of changes, with more of its Thai ethnic people currently involved in tourism compared to his previous visit "The road to the village is very nice, our car moves smoothly The landscape is beautiful, too, with immense green fields and stilt houses going in and out of view as we pass through cloud covered mountain valleys," said Chan Peaceful environment: Visitors wander Lac Village which has become a tourist attraction in Hoa Binh Province — VNS Photo "But we were amazed when we stumbled across Lac Village and the nearby Poong Coong hamlet, both nestled in a breathtakingly beautiful mountain valley Gentle villagers did not hesitate to offer us food and accommodation, as well as a glimpse of a traditional lifestyle that has changed little by little over the centuries," said Chan Colourful performance: Local women sing and Lo Van Then, the owner of a stilt house, said his village has 25 dance for foreign wooden and bamboo hotels which have been built according to tourists at a Lac Village a plan approved by the district authorities traditional house on stilts — VNA/VNS Photo "Many people called our stilt houses ‘hotels' but they're more Thanh Ha than that because they are built out of wood and bamboo, and include modern conveniences such as bathrooms, toilets and massage rooms They are all very clean and fragrant with the scent of the wild flowers that surround the area," said Then, adding that almost all villagers earn their living from tourism The stilt houses are built in the traditional design They're very large, about 100-150sq.m each For only VND30,000 (US$1.55), a traveller can enjoy a 1.2 by sq.m sleeping area A delicious meal for six costs only VND200,000 ($10.31) for the group "Our favourite memories of the trip were the community activities Groups of travellers can join in traditional song and dance performances, such as the mua sap (bamboo pole dance), with young Thai men and women," one of Chan's American friends said "We will certainly never forget our comfortable and enjoyable stay here, especially the novelty of staying in a stilt house and the warm welcome we received from villagers," said Chan Many of the local people have invested millions of dong to build stilt houses to serve travellers They have also perfected specialities such as grilled wild pig and hand-made brocade and silk products, said village head Ha Cong Tim The village is about 700 years old Its population is made up of the five key family lines of Ha, Lo, Vi, Mac and Loc "Their descendants are very well educated because there are no social evils such as drug addiction or theft in the village," Tim said In the past, local people earned a living by growing upland rice and weaving brocade to sell to foreign tourists in Ha Noi shops "Since the hidden charm of our village has been discovered by many, including foreign travellers, our village has been visited more frequently Lac Village has become an attractive tourism site and it has been included as a destination on the Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism's official tourism map," Tim told Viet Nam News "We welcome visitors year round During peak tourism season, we have to open all local houses to guests We established an art troupe which is now very professional and we produce many souvenirs such as Thai skirts, and brocade bags and wallets to sell to travellers," said Tim Thai men produce hunting instruments such as arcs and crossbows, as well as gongs for guests to bring home as souvenirs or gifts The number of visitors to the village has increased from a mere 400-500 in 1993 to 400,000-500,000 by the end of last year Hemmed in between the fierce Da and Ma rivers, Mai Chau is the gateway to Viet Nam's vast north-western mountain region, home to various ethnic groups including the Thai, Muong, Dao, Mong and Hoa During their journey, travellers will meet Thai women donned in their customary colourful garb, commonly comprised of a tight shirt half indigo, half white, a white waist band, and a long indigo skirt that touches the ground Thai women always grow their hair long, but the style differs according to marital status Single young women wear their hair loose, but arrange it in a chignon after marriage The women also dye their teeth black after marriage Like women everywhere, the Thai save their best clothes for special occasions Whether it's the rite when villagers pray for rain, or the procession to offer new rice to the gods, Thai women can be seen wearing elaborately patterned costumes They consist of a black and white shirt adorned with floral embroidery at the hem and a colourful waist band Jewellery includes silver bracelets, jade earrings and small bells attached at the waist "These women make our life more significant and meaningful," said Tim The Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism already invested some VND10 billion to improve infrastructure such as roads, electricity and internet to Lac Village, said Tim Trekking tours to grottoes believed to have been inhabited by ancient tribes and Thai cemeteries hidden among the limestone mountains had also been opened for tourists, said Tim Public buses from Ha Noi to Hoa Binh travel along Highway straight to the village Tim said that Lac Village in particular and Mai Chau District in general were still poor and the local authorities were calling on local and foreign firms and organisations to invest more to help it develop and prosper — VNS Tourists develop eco-awareness by Minh Thu I often tell myself that if in a given day I don't learn anything new or something useful, then I have wasted that day Before going on a trip with Peace Trees Viet Nam (PTVN), I didn't think that it was possible to have so many different experiences while I was on vacation I was able to relax, travel, and chat with the locals, while also working to help people who are in need and learn from them Low-impact living: The Old Quarter in Hoi An invites foreign tourists to join PTVN is not a travel company It's a non-profit organisation local community life — VNA/VNS Through their tour packages, the company allows Vietnamese and Photo Vu Cong Dien foreign travellers to learn more about Viet Nam and work with social programmes The tour company allows travellers to assist in the removal of land mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) in central Viet Nam Tourists will also be able to work alongside locals to help create an infrastructure that will create a safe and healthy future for residents of the central province of Quang Tri During my trip, I visited the Truong Son Cemetery in Gio Linh District that is home to 15,000 graves of soldiers and civilians who died while fighting against the US After that we went to Vinh Moc tunnels in Vinh Linh District, which housed an underground village built in the demilitarised zone dividing north and south Viet Nam Later, we went to Quang Tri Citadel where Vietnamese soldiers fought a bloody 81-day battle Finally we arrived at the historic Hien Luong Bridge over the Ben Hai River, which served Tipplers: Foreign tourists enjoy wine drunk from a jar through pipes of Mo Nong ethnic people in the Central Highlands province of Dac Lac — VNA/VNS Photo Hong Ky as the border between the two regions between 1954 and 1975 After visiting these destinations, I felt that I had learned a lot about the bravery of the Vietnamese people and the soldiers who fought during the war However, I also felt that I understood the true cost of the war, which still affects people today After the inspiring tour, the group visited and worked at a friendship village that PTVN built for UXO and Agent Orange victims and impoverished poor children I will never forget playing with the children The children at the centre were overcome with joy as they played with the balloons and stickers that tourists bought for them While the children that live in the city where I am from may not be that impressed with such gifts, the poor children here thoroughly enjoyed them Nguyen Thi Cuc lost her legs in an accident caused by a UXO Now unable to work, Cuc continues to live an active lifestyle and even won several medals during the province's special olympics She has had a hard life, but now she looks relaxed and is able to teach courses on how to properly prepare sunflower and pumpkin seeds Interesting "Vietnamese people love these snacks, especially during Tet (lunar new year) or when they are receiving guests," she says "I don't know why they are so popular, perhaps because they are delicious and they make interesting noises when you bite into their shells." This type of trip is known as responsible travel, which encourages travellers to participated in tour packages that are designed by companies to form responsible relationships with local communities This new approach to tourism can help improve businesses incomes and create more jobs for people The concept is new to Viet Nam Le Nguyen Travel is one the first companies that has implemented this new paradigm into their travel packages in Viet Nam The company works with its Canadian counterpart, Cegep Marie Victoria Company, to recruit Canadian tourists to visit Hoi An Participating travellers can stay up to one month in the area, where they will live together with the locals and volunteer in social programmes The tourists are able to help with household chores, study Vietnamese, and learn how to cook Vietnamese food They can also help village elders and disabled residents and teach English to orphans With this package, travellers can visit Tra Que Village, which is famous for its vegetables, and Thanh Ha pottery village where they can learn how to make pottery "I stayed at a house in Hoi An and I shared warm moments with the family when we cooked, ate and did house chores together," says K Paul, who went on the package "We really understood each other." "We didn't use the air conditioner in order to save electricity and protect the environment," Paul says "Hoi An people are so nice and friendly and the life here is peaceful." According to Le Ho Phuoc Vinh, Le Nguyen Travel's director, the three key components that play a central role in responsible travel are the local people, the tour operator and the travellers There are two essential aspects that responsible tourism utilises – environmental protection and socioeconomic development Both aspects are crucial to creating responsible and sustainable services that will employ large numbers of people without harming the environment A pilot project Responsible Travel in Viet Nam has been launched in co-operation with the Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV) and will last until December 2010 "Visitors are now becoming more aware and concerned about other matters relating to tourism such as littering in public places and water and noise pollution," says Phil Harman, senior advisor of SNV in Viet Nam "About 97 per cent of tourists, when interviewed, said that they were willing to pay more for a responsible travel holiday that is environmentally conscious and brings about more benefits for needy local people." Someone may think travelling is all about enjoying yourself, but for me its about making a difference Before leaving Quang Tri, we spent the morning planting trees Looking at the saplings, I felt satisfied with my trip and I hope one day to come back and see how much growth has taken place in the area — VNS kì quan giới đại Kim tự tháp Ai Cập Kim tự tháp Ai Cập kỳ quan giới cổ đại lại với thời gian ngày nay, tiếp tục đứng đầu danh sách kỳ quan giới Qủa danh bất hư truyền Người Ai Cập cổ đại đáng nể thật! Grand Canyon Arizona - U.S.A Grand Canyon thực tác phẩm vĩ đại thiên nhiên Hẻm núi rộng đến 29km (18 dặm) từ bờ núi đến bờ núi sâu 1600m (1 dặm) Grand Canyon trải qua trình hình thành dài đến hàng triệu năm nhờ ảnh hưởng xói mịn sơng Colorado tạo nên đường cắt xuyên lớp đá hàng tỉ năm tuổi Sự bao la mênh mông hoang vắng quang cảnh khiến cho du khách nên lời ! 3.Vạn lý trường thành Trung Quốc Nếu bạn đứng tường thành khung cảnh hoang dã khơng bóng người, bạn thấy tường uốn lượn rắn chạy dài từ phía trước từ phía sau bạn Đó thực cảnh hùng vĩ, hồnh tráng Vạn Lý Trường Thành Vạn Lý Trường Thành cơng trình kiến trúc vĩ đại, khởi cơng từ thời Tần Thủy Hoàng, vị Hoàng Ðế Trung Hoa, trở thành kỳ quan giới Có thể nói niềm tự hào văn hóa Trung Quốc Khởi nguyên tường trấn thủ bảo vệ nướcTrung Hoa tránh sống xâm lược quân Hung Nơ từ phía Bắc Vạn Lý Trường Thành khơng phải chuỗi tường dài liên tục, mà kết hợp đọan tường kiên cố xây dựng cách riêng biệt vào thời đại khác qua hai thiên niên kỷ, cuối tạo nên tường thành bảo vệ dài 7200 km, nằm phía Bắc Trung quốc, làm bật đường biên giới xa xưa vương quốc nhà Tần rộng lớn chạy dài suốt từ Sơn Hải Quan phía đơng đến tận Gia Dụ Quan phía tây, đứng sừng sững đến tận ngày Dưới thời Tần Thủy Hoàng Ðế vào năm 221 210 trước Tây Lịch, tường thành Vạn Lý Trường Thành, gọi ngày nay, xây dựng Thoạt tiên tường thành đắp bùn đá, chạy dài ngăn cách Trung quốc phần đất Mông Cổ Bao nhiêu triều đại phong kiến xứ sở Trung Hoa đến đi, vài triều đại có cơng xây dựngthêm, làm cho tường thành dài nữa, triều đại khác lo tranh giành quyền lực, chém giết lẫn Nhưng tường thành tường thành đầy hữu dụng ngăn cản qn Hung Nơ, bảo vệ an tịan đất nước Trung quốc phong kiến vó ngựa qn Mơng Cổ huy Thành Cát Tư Hãn tràn vào Trung quốc năm 1211 Mãi đến năm 1368, quân Mông Cổ bị đánh đuổi khỏi Trung thổ, triều đại nhà Minh thiết lập, việc xây dựng giai đoạn cuối Vạn Lý Trường Thành bắt đầu Lúc nói, tường thành xây hoàn chỉnh 200 năm với lớp gạch trộn lẫn với hỗn hợp xi măng đá, nhà Minh xây thêm phần tường thành kéo dài phía Đơng giáp với Bắc Hàn xây thêm đoạn tường thành khác phía Tây vùng Xinjiang Năm 1644, tường thành không ngăn cản bước tiến quân Mãn Thanh, họ kéo quân vào Trung quốc trị đất nước gần ba trăm năm Trong suốt triều đại nhà Thanh, tường thành đứng im sừng sững, khơng ngó ngàng đến Cho đến kỷ 20, Vạn Lý Trường Thành gặp mối đe dọa, dân làng lân cận nhìn tường thành nguồn nguyên liệu cho họ xây cất nhà cửa viên gạch Vạn Lý Trường Thành bị nạy để xây nhà cho người dân làng vùng Tuy nhiên, trộm vặt không thấm vào đâu, so với việc phá hủy Vạn Lý Trường Thành mà Cuộc Cách Mạng Văn Hóa gây Chiến dịch 1966-1967 Mao Trạch Đông nhằm phá gọi tàn dư chế độ phong kiến làm cho Vạn Lý Trường Thành trở thành mục tiêu bị tàn phá với miếng gạch bị tháo dỡ Vạn Lý Trường Thành khơng cịn xem tường thành bảo vệ biên giới cho Trung quốc mục tiêu cần phải phá hủy Cuộc Cách Mạng Văn Hóa Mao Trạch Đơng đề ra, lại nơi thu hút du khách nội địa lẫn ngoại quốc đến thăm viếng Hiện nay, Badaling phía Bắc Bắc Kinh, phần tường thành Vạn Lý Trường Thành dài 7200 số lôi 120,000 du khách đến ngày Nhưng bên cạnh lại có thêm mối đe dọa xuất phát từ bên trong: du khách ngồi nước vơ tình góp phần phá hủy Vạn Lý Trường Thành lâu đời tiếng xứ Trung Hoa 4.Đền Taj Mahal Agra - Ấn Độ Nhiều người lầm tưởng Taj Mahal Agra Ấn độ thánh đường Hồi giáo, thật lăng mộ đồng thời kết hợp tuyệt vời hai kiến trúc Ấn-Hồi Có thể nói nghệ thuật kiến trúc lĩnh vực chủ yếu, người Muslim diễn đạt tình cảm đẹp Taj Mahal vua Sha Jahan (1582-1666) cho xây để tưởng nhớ đến hoàng hậu yêu quý ông Mumtaj Arjumand-Banu- Begam (1592-1631), bà lúc sinh vị hoàng tử thứ mười bốn Được khởi công từ năm 1632 kéo dài đến năm 1649 hoàn thành Huy động 24.000 thợ xây cất, rịng rã 17 năm với gần tồn ngân quỹ đất nước chôn vào đây, trị giá thời 470 kg vàng ròng Kiến trúc sư trưởng Ustad Isa người Ba tư, nội thất Gieromino Vereneo người Ý Austin De Bordeaux người Pháp trang trí Những thợ thủ cơng khéo tay, chuyên môn tuyễn chọn từ thành phố Bagdad, Téhéran, Constantipole thị Hồi giáo Nhìn chung ta thấy cấu trúc Taj Mahal đơn giản, kiến trúc tổng thể tòa lâu đài có hình bát giác xây cao Nóc tịa đặt mái vòm lớn cao 75m, từ xa nhìn giống đào khổng lồ in lên trời xanh tuyệt đẹp, chung quanh trang điểm bốn mái vịm nhỏ Phóng lên từ bốn góc thềm bốn tháp đỉnh trịn cao 40m, trơng bốn sáo tấu khúc Tất làm đá cẩm thạch trắng, loại đá nhạy cảm với thay đổi nhỏ ánh sáng, phản chiếu màu sắc biến diệu kỳ khoảnh khắc tùy theo ánh nắng ban ngày, có dịp ngắm Taj Mahal ánh trăng đêm thấy cảm vẻ huy hoàng kiêu sa với nét hùng vĩ lăng tẩm Người Ấn độ xem Taj Mahal “viên ngọc trân châu đền đài”, họ thi vị huyền thoại hóa gọi nơi “các nàng tiên áo trắng Thiên đình hóa thạch tơ điểm trần gian” Trên cửa, tường rèm chung quanh mộ trang trí tinh xảo, khảm 12 loại đá quý ẩn nhiều màu sắc đá cẩm thạch trắng, tuyết Người Muslim không vẻ người hay loài động vật thường dùng tiết họa hình học, hoa khắc câu Thiên kinh Qur’an mẫu tự Arab, lối phóng bút trang điểm cầu kỳ, nghệ thuật viết thưởng thức nét chữ đẹp người Muslim say mê, họ xem phương tiện biểu cảm để truyền đạt Thông Điệp Thượng Đế Những chạm khắc đá lăng Taj Mahal tinh xảo tao nhã, thiết kế hài hịa, màu sắc tuyệt vời, trơng rèm thêu, ánh sáng chiếu xuyên qua làm rực rỡ đến độ khó tin bàn tay người lại khéo léo Đồ sộ mà tú, nhẹ nhàng nhờ xếp khéo léo phận với phong cách hoàn hảo quan hệ tương tác từ phận tổng thể, ta bê nguyên Taj Mahal khỏi khung cảnh thiên nhiên, có lẻ nửa vẻ đẹp bị Taj Mahal nằm cuối khu vườn rộng lớn với hàng bách dài xanh ngát, thảm cỏ mênh mông, hồ nước phản chiếu ánh sáng lấp lánh, điểm đóa sen trắng, hồng, khoe sắc thắm, tiệp màu xanh lơ bầu trời Ấn độ cao vút bên trên, tồn làm bật tịa nhà kiêu hãnh trắng ngời Taj Mahal kỳ quan tiếng giới, trở thành biểu tượng tình yêu chung thủy, toàn mỹ, vừa tiêu biểu vừa linh hồn nước Ấn độ 5.Serengeti Migration Mara Masai - Kenya, Serengeti - Tanzaniya Serengeti Migration - di cư đàn ngựa vằn, linh dương thực "trình diễn" mng thú vĩ đại giới ! Cảnh tượng có phần gây kinh hồng cho có dịp chiêm ngưỡng Bạn tưởng tượng, đàn động vật hoang dã lao lớp chăn tự nhiên chuyển động phủ khắp núi đồi đồng cỏ Phi Châu mênh mông ngút mắt ! Hằng năm, có đến triệu vật ăn cỏ rời nơi vào mùa khơ (tháng 6) để lên vùng lân cận phía Bắc nơi có nhiều cỏ nước Cuộc di cư diễn năm, với lộ trình hình trịn theo chiều ngược kim đồng hồ Những động vật ăn thịt sư tử, cọp beo không di cư chúng lại hưởng lợi từ thời gian này, bữa tiệc thịt thỏa thuê đám động vật ăn cỏ qua Machu Picchu Cuzco - Peru "To visit Machupijchu, you must prepare the soul, sharpen the senses Forget for some minutes, the small and transcendental problems of our lives, of modern man " Napoleon Polo Casilla 435 Cuzco Peru Hầu hết khách du lịch công nhận rằng, Machu Picchu Peru di tích cổ gây ấn tượng sâu sắc giới Machu Picchu thành phố đá với đền đài, thành lũy người Inca, nằm trơ trọi cao dốc núi đồi hình n ngựa, phía xa phần đèo vây quanh sông Urubamd Trước người Tây Ban Nha đến xâm chiếm chốn này, Machu Picchu nơi huyền bí bị lãng quên giới cịn thời kỳ hồng kim Machu Pucchu sau bị chơn vùi lớp cỏ dày đặc núi rừng năm 191, nhà thám hiểm xứ Yale, Hiram Bingham phát Machupijchu "After almost four hours by train, on one of the most impressive and spectacular stretches in the world, from high, cold early morning plains down to lush vegetation in the frequently suffocating late morning heat, one arrives at the foot of the mountain Machupijchu Then the eight kilometer road of thirteen zigzag hairpins in an acrobatic bus takes us up the mountain, and one arrives at the hotel From here, it is only a few steps and the city opens itself ." Colosseum - Đại Hý Trường La Mã Roma - Ý Tên gọi cơng trình thời La Mã cổ đại Đấu trường Flavius* (Flavian Amphitheater) xây nên triều đại Flavius Nó nằm thung lũng rộng bên cạnh đồi Palatine, Caelian Esquiline, nơi trước hồ khu vườn khu hồng cung Domus Aurea ( tịa nhà vàng ) bạo chúa Nero Là khối liến trúc có tiết diện hình elip với trục dài 188m & trục ngắn 156m Bờ tường đấu trường xây cao tới 50m tính từ mặt đất Hơn 100.000 m3 đá tuff vôi ( travertine) 300 kim loại dùng để xây nên đấu trường Đấu trường khởi công lâu sau hồng đế Vespasianus đăng quang ( năm 70 ) & khánh thành hoàng đế Titus ( năm 80 ) Các lễ hội & trận đấu diễn kể từ năm 523 Hơn 5000 sư tử 2000 đấu sĩ bị giết chết cho vui giới quý tộc La Mã hí trường/ đấu trường Bức tượng khổng lồ đồng mạ vàng dựng cạnh đấu trường tượng (Colossus of Nero) điêu khắc gia Hy Lạp Zenodoros làm Ban đầu dựng tượng Nero, sau bạo chúa sửa đổi thành tượng thần mặt trời [/color] ... Muslim diễn đạt tình cảm đẹp Taj Mahal vua Sha Jahan (158 2-1 666) cho xây để tưởng nhớ đến hoàng hậu yêu quý ông Mumtaj Arjumand-Banu- Begam (159 2-1 631), bà lúc sinh vị hoàng tử thứ mười bốn Được khởi... very excited about a two-day home stay tour in stilt houses in Lac Village The village is located in the north-western province of Hoa Binh''s Mai Chau District, some 120 km from Ha Noi Chan, who... increased from a mere 40 0-5 00 in 1993 to 400,00 0-5 00,000 by the end of last year Hemmed in between the fierce Da and Ma rivers, Mai Chau is the gateway to Viet Nam''s vast north-western mountain region,